In a world where book stores are a dying species and the literary arts are being overshadowed by…read moresocial media/texting jargon; I support any program or gimmick which highlights literacy. Of course, libraries still exist where readers can borrow books to their hearts' content. However, sometimes you want to own a book and simply can't afford it. For these book worms with slim wallets: there are the Little Free Libraries. What the heck is a "Little Free Library", you ask? Little Free Libraries are small, birdhouse-like structures maintained by private curators (businesses, home-owners, people like you and me) in association with the charity, Little Free Library. The charity helps individuals create and upkeep the libraries (you can even purchase pre-built structures from them). How does it work? Simple: the merit system. You bring a book and take a book. Heck, you can even take a book without bringing one but don't be a greedy Grinch and take them all! With its own theme and book selection; each little free library is a unique experience and great for those who can't afford to purchase a book (note: this is more like a book store versus a library because you get to keep the book if you want). The Caw Cottage Little Free Library is located in a beautiful, shaded, tree-lined, quiet neighborhood in Sherman Oaks. The area exudes peace and charm and is thus quite conducive to book-reading. The Caw Cottage Little Free Library is located on a white picket fence in front of a beautiful home (can it get better than that?). The area is clean and luckily no kiddos decided to vandalize the structure and therefore you are greeted by a double glass-doored birdhouse-like structure in the vein of a shabby chic cottage. Simply open the glass doors and peruse the selection. Expecting crappy books that no one wants? Wrong, my friend! Caw Cottage's selection varies from art to history, novels to biographies. I snagged a recently published book from one of my favorite authors! I was stoked! The books are in great condition (albeit a bit loss of color from minor sun damage). The offerings are better than some used book stores. The point of Caw Cottage is the experience. You can't help but smile as you are transported to the land of books. Yes, it may be a gimmick or overly whimsical to some. However, for book lovers, it is a "cute" moment to be savored. Caw Cottage bleeds love for books. The Little Free Libraries are a wonderful idea and Caw Cottage is one of the better ones with its location, curbside appeal, and book selection. Definitely a must for book lovers!

My husband and I love seeing this little library every time we walk to Starbucks. Sometimes we pick…read moresomething up, sometimes we leave something. It's so cute, and brings such joy to our hearts. :)

Stumbled upon this cutest community book box while walking. If you don't live around the area, you…read morewill never know it exists. I can tell it is well taken cared of. The paint looks new and it has a nice finish. It is color white with a dark roof. You would think it is a mail box if you're not facing it. It can fit a pretty good sized maybe 10 books.

This is a fantastic used bookstore--one of the best I have ever visited, in any city or in any…read morestate. You enter from the back parking lot and it looks kind of small and cramped at first. But then you realize it extends this way, and that way, and it just sort of sucks you in deeper and deeper. I spent an hour here, bought way too many books, and could easily have spent another hour. There are absolute diamonds to be found here and the prices are very reasonable. The Iliad also has what every bookstore anywhere should have: cats. There are two cats roaming the bookstore and they are very friendly. If I owned a bookstore, it would be a haven for cats. Well worth a visit and a drive from almost anywhere.

This past weekend was my first time visiting the shop and I was especially impressed with how large…read moreof a selection they have, how friendly the staff is, and that they have two live in cats, whom I loved to meet. I am giving four stars because I had a list of a dozen books I was searching for from Oscar Wilde, Dostoyesky, and a bunch of business books like How to Win Friends, the Warren Buffett biography, History of Rome by Gibbon, and a handful of other titles and couldn't find a single one. So this place definitely specializes in more obscure books and it's important to know that everything is used. They do have a free parking lot in back so parking is really easy. As mentioned they do have tons and tons of titles so you can really spend a good amount of time just perusing everything that they have. I would recommend if you are in the area but not necessarily if you are hunting for a specific title, especially a new one.

This Library is free but it is by no means little…read more It sits in the Police Station among toys and kid-sized chairs in an effort to make a visit to the Police Station a little less intimidating or maybe boring for the kiddos. I get the impression that it doesn't get much use but it sure does have a selection! So, if cops don't scare you, and your little one's looking for something new to read, come by the Police Station. It's open 24 hours a day and you never have to worry that your book will be overdue!

While waiting for my shift to start, I ventured out the neighborhood to get my steps. That's when I…read morestumbled upon this Little Free Library. The structure is hard to miss if you're walking on its side. It has not been taken cared of. The structure is dilapidated. It needs a new paint as well as upgrading the books inside. Books look old and not interesting enough titles. I hope they will put new ones. I hope the community will continue to appreciate this Little Free Library. And will keep it updated.

After visiting my first Little Free Library, I decided on making a bucket list of experiencing more…read morelocations. Each Little Free Library has its own flare, look, theme, and book selection so the phrase "When you see one, you have seen them all" certainly does not apply here. Wondering what a Little Free Library is? Let me copy/paste my well-articulated description from my other review: Little Free Libraries are small, birdhouse-like structures maintained by private curators (businesses, home-owners, people like you and me) in association with the charity, Little Free Library. The charity helps individuals create and upkeep the libraries (you can even purchase pre-built structures from them). How does it work? Simple: the merit system. You bring a book and take a book. Heck, you can even take a book without bringing one but don't be a greedy and take them all (note: this is more like a book store versus a library because you get to keep the book if you want). Got it? It's all quite simple. So how does this Little Free Library rate? Located in a residential neighborhood which, granted, is generally quiet; the area was a bit unkempt. The Little Free Library is located facing a sidewalk in front of a home and is difficult to see because dented-junk cars are parked by the curb adjacent to it while tons of overgrown foliage, ivy, and spider-web filled plants curtail one from walking directly up to the structure. Based on the other photos, it appears that it was more appealing in the past. Yes, this Little Free Library has benches which is a cute touch and not one that all have; but even those are not well-maintained. To say the least, it isn't that inviting. Despite this, the main focus is the books so I continued my exploration. Sadly, the books here aren't that great. There is a wide variety in terms of subject (children's books, novels, non-fiction, and art) but the books are old and not in the best shape. This Little Free Library is more akin to the selection at a thrift store but without the occasional treasures. In fact, I left without taking a book. I am not opposed to coming back to seeing if the selection improves when I am in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way. Overall, I am glad this Little Free Library exists and I give credit to the neighborhood and curator but the heart and passion in the upkeep seems to be missing. It has potential and I can see from the photos that it was there but merely slipped. Regardless, this Little Free Library is still suggested for book lovers in the area who seek out the magic of these little neighborhood libraries but there are better ones available.

For the past 5 years, I have been passing this Little Free Library while walking. Then it got me…read moreintrigued one day and really look look. There were 2 benches to sit, read and relax. What a nice addition. It encourages people to come enjoy. They have books that caters to all ages.

I don't usually walk on this street then for some reason I decided to…read more I was on the other side of the street so I have to cross and check this out. Another Community Book Box. Wow!! And it is full of books. Looks like a little house with embellishments and some nice arts on the ground. There are 2 shelves so it can fit more books. How nice!!

What's more awesome and generous and wonderful than a person putting a Little Free Library out on…read moretheir property? A person putting 2 LFL's on their property!! These robust, little repositories for readers were positively packed with books to explore and enjoy. The dark blue one seemed to be set aside for the littles while the Schoolhouse Rock library had options for more experienced readers. They were right near the street and my guess is that the gently insane neighbor that I dealt with would never make an appearance with most visitors.